Why is respite care important and what benefits it can provide

One of the most valuable unpaid jobs you can do is care for others. Whether you are supporting someone who is disabled, mentally ill, suffering from a chronic disease or an elderly person. If you do not take time for yourself, you may find it difficult, exhausting and overwhelming and you risk becoming emotionally, psychologically and physically fatigued.

Why is respite care important?

It is okay to take a break from caring for a loved one from time to time. In fact, you should consider it an important part of being a good carer, as you cannot support someone else if you are struggling yourself. This is when respite care helps a lot. Respite care is when someone else takes care of the person you are assisting for a short period of time so that you can recuperate. It may be for a few hours, an entire day, overnight or an entire week.

What options are available?

In Australia, there are a few different forms of respite care available:

• In-home respite care: A carer will come to your loved one’s home to provide care for a set amount of time.
• Community respite care: As part of a social event, the individual that you support will go on a supervised trip or participate in a community group activity.
• Centre-based respite care: This takes place in a centre and provides the individual with the opportunity to socialise and participate in activities in a comfortable environment.
• Residential respite care: A short stay in an aged care home.

What are the benefits?

Allowing someone else to take on your carer duties offers several benefits for both you and your loved one. It allows you, as the carer, to relax and recharge, perform an activity you like, go on vacation, do paid employment, keep up with medical appointments and/or visit friends and family. It essentially makes you a better carer because it helps you to care for your own physical and emotional needs.

Respite care provides several advantages for the person receiving care. It may provide them with an opportunity to interact with someone new. Depending on the sort of respite care you receive, it may also provide them with the opportunity to try new things or enjoy a fun day out doing a favourite activity.

Is respite care funded by the government?

Depending on your plan and funding level, respite care is supported through the NDIS, Home Care Packages programme, and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

It might be tough to know where to begin or what you are qualified for at times. Direct Care, as a registered NDIS provider and My Aged Care service provider, can help you in navigating the system and obtaining the funds you require. This means that instead of dealing on your own, you can begin to develop a support network that will allow you to take breaks from caregiving when necessary.

If you need any further assistance on aged care services, contact Teresa Sandona or Kerrie Harding on 1300 122 730 or via email at to discuss the support you seek.

If you need any further assistance on the NDIS or disability services, contact Sharon Miller or Cristina Bruno on 0410 620 170 or 1300 122 730 or via email at to discuss how we can support you in accessing supports, plan management, support coordination or assistive technology.